RR1 and RR2 IMCanada

Pina

Patrick Last Sunday (July 14) I raced a HIM and had a short 3 day taper leading up to it. I raced this course last year, felt great leading up to it, strong, well trained and injury free. I set a 22 min PR, swim was the same (32min), Bike went from a 2:42 to 2:32 and run from a 1:36 to a 1:23. So a lot of huge gains and phenomenal execution on this race.Total time was 4:31 (vs. 4:54)

6 Days later (July 20) I knew I wasn't fully recovered and had an easy week. I went for RR1 on the new IMC course in Whistler, I have ridden the course in chunks before and it is a hilly tough course. I stopped at 90 miles, listening to my body on the final climb feeling like I was doing more damage than good not wanting to bury myself into a hole.

Here are my questions. 

1. I'm in a conundrum whether to do RR2 3 wks out or 2 wks out and .... My concern is recovery?

2. Whether I should ride a local flat course or drive up to Whistler again and ride the more challenging course? 

During training I've been hitting the hills and long mountain climbs big time. WOuld love to know your thoughts and advice on this. I'm pretty sure you know what my goals are for this race. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Coach Patrick

Sukhi - great job on that race! As you can tell by comparing your finish time to last years time, you've made some incredible gains. Having to stop at mile 90 less than a week later is of no consequence. The fitness is there. I would definitely try to get back up there to do the final race reversal on course. Any experience you can gain will only help you distance yourself from the competition. I think 2 weeks out to be fine, especially if you take the next day off and plan on a “true” paper in the race. In other words, the ride itself will not be a problem… It's what you do after that will make the difference. So I say stay the course right now, and reach out to me after the final race rehearsal.

Pina

Great! Thanks Patrick.

I'll touch base after RR2.